Category Archives: ABC News

The ABC, following a complaint in relation to an article on the Wall collapse in Swanston Street, reported that the City of Melbourne was not required to issue a permit for the hoarding. The ABC reporter was wrong.

ABC’s response to the complaint

ABC News acknowledges the reporter misinterpreted the press release issued by the City of Melbourne and consequently inadvertently misrepresented the council’s position.

News advise that the release came after several days of phone calls by the reporter to the City of Melbourne asking about whether or not a council permit was required and, if so, whether one was issued. She was told by council officers that the situation regarding permits was confused as there were a number of different authorities involved. The confusion was compounded by the press release, which was not received until late in the day. On reading the release she came to the conclusion that it was indicating that the council did not need to issue a permit.

ABC News apologises for the error. The story has been corrected and an editor’s note attached.

We can confirm that the City of Melbourne has not issued a permit for the structure attached to the wall.

There are four relevant legislative frameworks – Planning, Building, Occupational Health and Safety and Local Laws. There are intricacies in the way in which these interconnect and overlap. These complexities are likely to be considered by the investigating authorities.

A CMP (Construction Management Plan) does not replace the need for Planning, Building or Local Laws approval for specific works. These must be sought separately.

The City of Melbourne’s responsibility of the subject of a number of inquiries including the Coroner, Work Safety and the Building Commission. The Council has refused to undertake an independent inquiry into its responsibility on the administration of public safety, it’s Local laws and liability

We can confirm that the City of Melbourne has not issued a permit for the structure attached to the wall.

There are four relevant legislative frameworks – Planning, Building, Occupational Health and Safety and Local Laws. There are intricacies in the way in which these interconnect and overlap. These complexities are likely to be considered by the investigating authorities.

A CMP (Construction Management Plan) does not replace the need for Planning, Building or Local Laws approval for specific works. These must be sought separately.

…

The City of Melbourne does not intend to make any further comment at this time.

Other media outlets did not repeat the unsupported ABC News claim.The question if a permit for the construction of the hoarding attached to the wall that collapsed is still the subject of review and debate. Council local laws and Construction site Management guidelines require a permit for the construction of hoardings.

Statement published by the City of Melbourne

Statement regarding Swanston Street development permits

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

The City of Melbourne continues to assist the Coroner, WorkSafe and the Building Commission as they investigate the Swanston Street wall collapse.

While assisting those inquiries remains our priority, we can confirm that the City of Melbourne has not issued a permit for the structure attached to the wall.

There are four relevant legislative frameworks – Planning, Building, Occupational Health and Safety and Local Laws. There are intricacies in the way in which these interconnect and overlap. These complexities are likely to be considered by the investigating authorities.

In general terms, the City of Melbourne oversees the interface between building sites and public space.

With regard to the wall collapse in Swanston Street, it should be noted that the wall was on private property.

The Swanston Street CUB site is a Comprehensive Development Zone. As a result of this designation, the Minister for Planning is the Responsible Authority for the issuing of planning permits relating to the site.

The Minister has issued a planning permit for the development of Swanston Square (building 5) and the Maltstore building. That permit required the developer to file a Construction Management Plan (CMP) with the Minister as the Responsible Authority. The Minister’s permit required that the CMP be prepared in accordance with the City of Melbourne’s CMP guidelines.

The purpose of the CMP is to set out how a site will be managed to minimise impact on the surrounding area. The CMP was reviewed by the City of Melbourne and was found to meet the requirements of the guidelines. The CMP covers Stage 1 of the development of the CUB site which is south of the area where the wall collapsed.

A CMP does not replace the need for Planning, Building or Local Laws approval for specific works. These must be sought separately.

The City of Melbourne does not intend to make any further comment at this time.

The ABC News 24 hour TV channel started broadcasting during the week. If your a news junky, made worst during a national election it is difficult to switch off.

The programme cycling is of a high quality and a sure way to catch up with the latest news in the campaign trail.

WARNING

The ABC NEWS logo is damaging to your TV.

ABC News for some reason has opted for a solid graphic that includes the ABC logo and the number 24 with the time displayed underneath in the bottom right of your screen. Unlike the other ABC channel logos this one is not see through. As a result your TV is at risk of image burn as the ABC News logo etches in to the background of your screen.

Those effected may like to consider writing to the ABC or Broadcasting authorities to complain and possibly seek compensation for the damage caused or join in on a class action law suit.

Online complaints fall on death ears. Best bet is to write to the daily news papers or call talkback channels. 1300 222 774.

UPDATE: The ABC has listened to its audiance. It has modifed the ABC 24 logo and publissed a semi transparent logo. Thanks you ABC for your quick action in resolving this issue. Now please do likewise on the ABC3 Station Close screen. A moving image such as world weather would be good.

The ABC News 24 hour TV channel started broadcasting during the week. If your a news junky, made worst during a national election it is difficult to switch off.

The programme cycling is of a high quality and a sure way to catch up with the latest news in the campaign trail.

WARNING

The ABC NEWS logo is damaging to your TV.

ABC News for some reason has opted for a solid graphic that includes the ABC logo and the number 24 with the time displayed underneath in the bottom right of your screen. Unlike the other ABC channel logos this one is not see through. As a result your TV is at risk of image burn as the ABC News logo etches in to the background of your screen.

Those effected may like to consider writing to the ABC or Broadcasting authorities to complain and possibly seek compensation for the damage caused or join in on a class action law suit.

Online complaints fall on death ears. Best bet is to write to the daily news papers or call talkback channels. 1300 222 774.

UPDATE: The ABC has listened to its audiance. It has modifed the ABC 24 logo and publissed a semi transparent logo. Thanks you ABC for your quick action in resolving this issue. Now please do likewise on the ABC3 Station Close screen. A moving image such as world weather would be good.

The ABC News 24 hour TV channel started broadcasting during the week. If your a news junky, made worst during a national election it is difficult to switch off.

The programme cycling is of a high quality and a sure way to catch up with the latest news in the campaign trail.

WARNING

The ABC NEWS logo is damaging to your TV.

ABC News for some reason has opted for a solid graphic that includes the ABC logo and the number 24 with the time displayed underneath in the bottom right of your screen. Unlike the other ABC channel logos this one is not see through. As a result your TV is at risk of image burn as the ABC News logo etches in to the background of your screen.

Those effected may like to consider writing to the ABC or Broadcasting authorities to complain and possibly seek compensation for the damage caused or join in on a class action law suit.

Online complaints fall on death ears. Best bet is to write to the daily news papers or call talkback channels. 1300 222 774.

UPDATE: The ABC has listened to its audiance. It has modifed the ABC 24 logo and publissed a semi transparent logo. Thanks you ABC for your quick action in resolving this issue. Now please do likewise on the ABC3 Station Close screen. A moving image such as world weather would be good.